The Assembly Elections 2024 have delivered surprises, defying exit polls in both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K). In Haryana, the BJP, contrary to predictions, is poised to clinch a historic third term. This victory is significant, especially in Jat-dominated constituencies considered Bhupinder Singh Hooda’s stronghold. Meanwhile, in J&K, the National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance looks set for a clear majority. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is struggling, with independents and smaller parties failing to make an impact.
Haryana: BJP’s Historic Third Term
In Haryana, exit polls had predicted a majority for Congress, but BJP has outperformed expectations. If BJP secures this win, it will be the first time in Haryana’s political history that any party forms the government for three consecutive terms. The key development here is the BJP’s ability to penetrate the traditional Hooda stronghold of Jat-dominated constituencies. This unexpected shift is attributed to BJP’s focus on caste-based development and grassroots strategies. The situation appears increasingly tense for Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the face of Congress in Haryana, as BJP continues to gain ground.
The internal dynamics of the Congress party have also become crucial. Should they manage to secure a win, the decision on a Chief Ministerial face will likely determine the party’s future trajectory in the state. However, for now, Hooda is facing an uphill battle against a resurgent BJP, which is proving exit poll predictions wrong by making gains in several key constituencies.
Jammu & Kashmir: NC-Congress on Course for Victory
In Jammu & Kashmir, the National Conference (NC) and Congress have emerged as the likely winners based on the latest trends, showcasing a dominant performance in the assembly elections. The NC, under Farooq Abdullah, managed to secure around 43 seats on its own, consolidating its position as a major political force in the region. The Congress has complemented the NC’s efforts, leading to an overwhelming majority for the coalition.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), led by Mehbooba Mufti, has witnessed a sharp decline, failing to capture any significant number of seats. The PDP’s downfall can be attributed to internal strife and a failure to resonate with the electorate, who seem to have shifted their allegiance toward the NC-Congress alliance.
Independents and smaller parties, which some critics claim are proxies for the BJP, have struggled to make any significant inroads. This electoral outcome is a major setback for the BJP, which had hoped to gain traction in the region through its proxies. The results further strengthen the position of the NC and Congress in J&K, which could shape the political landscape of the Union Territory for years to come.
Conclusion
The Assembly Elections 2024 have been a rollercoaster of surprises, particularly in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. The BJP’s resilience in Haryana marks a potential historic milestone, while the NC-Congress alliance is set to solidify its hold on Jammu & Kashmir. These developments highlight the unpredictability of Indian electoral politics, where grassroots mobilization and strategic alliances play a critical role in shaping outcomes.